Online degrees are gaining in popularity and in acceptance in today's society. In the not so distant past, most of these degrees were considered "sub-standard" and were not highly regarded by the educational field, or recognized by businesses as an adequate education.
This is not the case today. As many more students are opting for an online degree, many traditional colleges are now offering these programs. The following tips are offered to students electing to pursue a degree via online education.
First, recognize that an online degree requires a great deal of commitment and self control. This method of study is not the easy way out and may be closer to reality than a degree obtained in a theory based classroom. It takes a great deal of discipline and focus to succeed.
A common misconception that students may have, is that an online college education can be acquired in their spare time. This is so far from the truth. An online degree requires as much time as in-classroom learning. The advantage to an online education, is classroom attendance and studying can be scheduled around other responsibilities, and can take place almost anywhere with an internet connection.
Choose an online college or university wisely and make sure it is accredited. As with traditional colleges, the degrees, certificates, and course structures of online schools vary. Most are eligible for student loan and financial aid programs. Some colleges have a payment plan to help you pay as you go. If you have credits from other schools, ask if you can carry them over. Compare, compare, and compare, until you find the school that is right for you.
If you don't already have a reliable computer with DSL or an Internet Cable connection, get one. Your computer will be your classroom link and it needs to be capable of getting you to where you need to go. Ask what software and other functions you will need your computer to perform in order to meet your course requirements. It is possible to use a public computer, such as at the library, but you lose the flexibility of attending class and studying when it works best for you.
Join online discussion groups at your college. Build your teamwork skills and collaborate with other students. Find people with the same interests for discussion of assignments, and projects. Some instructors or colleges assign you teammates for projects, others allow you to build you own teams. Whatever the structure, having good relationships and connections with colleagues gives you options that you may not otherwise have available.
If possible, get the syllabus for the entire course. Being able to plan ahead and know what is coming, takes the stress out of the unknown. If you are very ambitious, you can even move yourself along a little faster.
Be proactive and keep in touch with your advisors or instructors. Completely understanding assignments and asking questions when clarification when needed, is important in online study. Most courses move very quickly and you cannot afford to get behind. The advisors and instructors are there to help you be successful, use them.
Now that you have made the decision to go ahead with your studies, enjoy your online educational experience, and congratulations on your degree!
By Art Gib
This is not the case today. As many more students are opting for an online degree, many traditional colleges are now offering these programs. The following tips are offered to students electing to pursue a degree via online education.
First, recognize that an online degree requires a great deal of commitment and self control. This method of study is not the easy way out and may be closer to reality than a degree obtained in a theory based classroom. It takes a great deal of discipline and focus to succeed.
A common misconception that students may have, is that an online college education can be acquired in their spare time. This is so far from the truth. An online degree requires as much time as in-classroom learning. The advantage to an online education, is classroom attendance and studying can be scheduled around other responsibilities, and can take place almost anywhere with an internet connection.
Choose an online college or university wisely and make sure it is accredited. As with traditional colleges, the degrees, certificates, and course structures of online schools vary. Most are eligible for student loan and financial aid programs. Some colleges have a payment plan to help you pay as you go. If you have credits from other schools, ask if you can carry them over. Compare, compare, and compare, until you find the school that is right for you.
If you don't already have a reliable computer with DSL or an Internet Cable connection, get one. Your computer will be your classroom link and it needs to be capable of getting you to where you need to go. Ask what software and other functions you will need your computer to perform in order to meet your course requirements. It is possible to use a public computer, such as at the library, but you lose the flexibility of attending class and studying when it works best for you.
Join online discussion groups at your college. Build your teamwork skills and collaborate with other students. Find people with the same interests for discussion of assignments, and projects. Some instructors or colleges assign you teammates for projects, others allow you to build you own teams. Whatever the structure, having good relationships and connections with colleagues gives you options that you may not otherwise have available.
If possible, get the syllabus for the entire course. Being able to plan ahead and know what is coming, takes the stress out of the unknown. If you are very ambitious, you can even move yourself along a little faster.
Be proactive and keep in touch with your advisors or instructors. Completely understanding assignments and asking questions when clarification when needed, is important in online study. Most courses move very quickly and you cannot afford to get behind. The advisors and instructors are there to help you be successful, use them.
Now that you have made the decision to go ahead with your studies, enjoy your online educational experience, and congratulations on your degree!
By Art Gib
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